PGCE Geography

The Geography course aims to enable student teachers to become passionate, creative and enthusiastic practitioners to motivate the desire in learners to want to learn about society and the world. By developing an understanding of the Humanities you will have the skills to create a stimulating learning environment, to enable young people to become creative, ambitious, ethical and confident.

Course Details

Course Content

Together with your fellow students on the primary and other secondary programmes, you will study the principles of effective pedagogy, assessment, lesson and curriculum planning. You will participate actively in learning, contributing to seminars, delivering presentations and engaging critically with research. During the University sessions, you will plan and deliver microlessons in preparation for the practical element of the course.

The Geography PGCE course is concerned with theoretical and practical classroom approaches to the teaching of Geography throughout the secondary age range including GCSE and AS/A. This involves examining a range of appropriate learning and teaching strategies in the varied classroom situations you will encounter. Through working collaboratively with students in other subjects areas across the curriculum you will develop a rigorous understanding of when and where particular activities might be appropriate and suitable in ensuring effective learning.

On placement, you will work closely with your subject mentor and the University Link Tutor to develop your practical skills in teaching. In addition to specialist placements in secondary schools, you will experience a short placement in a primary school working with skilled primary teachers. You will also undertake an action research project to develop an aspect of your practice and begin your career as a research-informed teacher.

Teaching & Learning

Assessment

Assessment on the course takes a range of forms including, for example: essays, reflective writing, presentations, lesson plans, action research project. There are no formal examinations. Assessment of practice takes place throughout all three placements on a continuous basis.

Cross-curriculum themes

All teachers are responsible for the teaching of the three cross-curriculum themes of literacy, numeracy and digital competence. Students will be supported in planning the delivery of literacy, numeracy and digital competence in the context of their own subject.

UK Bachelors (Honours) degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject area. A minimum of 50% of the content of this Bachelors degree should have relevance to the subject you want to teach (i.e. Geography). Other Requirements GCSE Grade B in either English Language, English Literature, Welsh Language (First Language) or Welsh Literature. Where a grade B in English Literature or Welsh Literature is achieved, a minimum of grade C must also be achieved in English Language or Welsh Language (First Language). Grade B in GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy is also required. The University can offer GCSE Equivalency Tests in these subjects for applicants who do not hold these qualifications/grades. Previous experience or observation in a school setting is an advantage. Please note that all applicants will be interviewed as part of the selection process.